NW Healthy Communities Partnership

Northwest Healthy Communities PartnershipBegan in 2002 through a partnership with the Park Nicollet Foundation, Osseo Area Schools and the Northwest Hennepin Family Service Collaborative Facilitated by the Northwest Hennepin Family Service Collaborative

The Northwest Hennepin Family Services Collaborative (NWHFSC) explored the availability of medical services for families in the Collaborative service delivery area who were uninsured, underinsured, could not afford premiums associated with Minnesota Care or who could not afford insurance co-pays/sliding fee payments. Through a partnership between St. Mary’s Clinics and Park Nicollet Health Services, St. Mary’s Clinics at Park Nicollet was established.

This initial discussion resulted in the implementation of the Northwest Healthy Communities Partnership (NWHCP) facilitated by the Park Nicollet Foundation. The NW Healthy Communities initiative began meeting in 2002 as a convening on need group. Thanks to the leadership of the Park Nicollet Foundation, for the past 11 years this group has met monthly to identify gaps and barriers to services in the northwestern suburbs of Hennepin County and to initiate action(s) that have netted impressive results as outlined below.

Initial project: St. Mary’s Clinics at Park NicolletGeneral medical care for children and families in the northwestern suburbs of Hennepin County who are most at risk because they are uninsured or underinsured. This request was initiated by the NWHFSC. Results:

In partnership with St. Mary’s Clinics, three Park Nicollet Clinics in the northwestern suburban area offer free, general medical services within the community.

Our most at risk children and families have access to free general medical services.

General medical needs are addressed in a timely manner, before they become serious and require more costly services.

Reduction in the use of costly Emergency Room visits. Most of our families access Emergency Room services at HCMC.

ImmunizationsPark Nicollet Health Services provides in-kind support for the NW Immunization Clinic, which is a partnership between the NWHFSC, the NWHFSC fiscal agent, Osseo Area Schools, and Park Nicollet Health Services - Dr. Mark DePaolis writes the Orders for the Clinic each year. The Park Nicollet Foundation was instrumental in facilitating matching funds for the Immunization Clinic from the North Memorial Foundation. In the summer of 2005, Park Nicollet provided additional access to immunizations, at school sites within the Osseo School District. This effort assisted with the high volume of requests for immunizations.Results:

Immunizations are available in a timely manner, within the community so that students can start school on time.

Reduction in missed school days for new students entering school during the school year

​MedicationFunding for medication. Park Nicollet responded to the NWHFSC identified need for funding for prescriptions for students/families who are uninsured, underinsured or cannot pay sliding fees or co-pays.Results:

Our most at risk students are able to receive the medication(s) they need to overcome illness and/or remain healthy.

Children/families are assisted in accessing necessary medication(s) in a timely manner.

Children who need medication associated with ADHD are able to receive the medication they need and remain in school.

Children remain in school and/or miss less school, which leads to greater academic success.

Growing Through GriefPark Nicollet assisted the Osseo School District in implementing Growing Through Grief Support group for youth who have experienced the death of a loved one. The support groups are based on a successful model that Park Nicollet implemented in Western Hennepin County. Results:

Youth have access to support after the death of a loved one.

Access is within the community school setting.

Immigrant Physician SupportAssisting African born and trained doctors with entry to practice in the U S medical system. This need was brought to the NW Healthy Communities group by Wilfred Harris, the President of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota.

This is an important partnership with the immigrant community. Results:

An increase in the number physicians from African countries who eventually will be available to practice medicine in our community and serve African immigrants and refugees.

An increase in the pool of African physicians so that African immigrant families will be able to access medical services from a physician of their own culture.

Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) GrantThe NWHFSC, with support from Park Nicollet Health Services, the Park Nicollet Foundation, Dr. Anne Edwards, Pediatrician at the Park Nicollet Brookdale Clinic, an application was submitted to the American Academy of Pediatrics for a 2006 CATCH Grant.

For three years, mental health issues have been a major topic of discussion and focus for action at the NW Healthy Communities Partnership meetings.

If awarded, the grant will provide funding for a planning project involving a multi-community, cross cultural and interdisciplinary mental health summit as a basis for identifying and assessing mental health disparities of the immigrant and refugee population in the NW Hennepin area.

This partnership will allow the NWHFSC, in partnership with Park Nicollet, to address mental health needs of immigrant and refugee populations in the northwestern suburbs of Hennepin County. Anticipated results from the CATCH Grant award:

Identification of the mental health needs of immigrant and refugees.

Identification of the gaps and barriers to services.

Identification of evidence-based practices in delivering mental health services to a diverse cultural and ethnic population.

In partnership with culturally based mental health providers, development of curriculum that will be used to inform and educate school staff, local agency staff, outreach and front line social services providers and mental health professionals who work with immigrant and refugee populations in the NW Hennepin area about culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches to mental health intervention.

During 2005-2006, the NW Healthy Communities Partnership convened specifically around the needs of children and youth. Areas of need were identified through presentations by and discussions with leaders from school districts, nonprofit organizations, mental health providers, chemical health providers and Hennepin County staff. The mental health needs of children and youth continued to be mentioned as a critical issue. The mental health needs of the immigrant and refugee community living in the northwestern suburbs was frequently mentioned.Results:

In August of 2006 the NWHCP group, with Mark Skubic’s help, extended an invitation to, and met with, local area Legislative leaders.

A Legislative Agenda that contained needs and topics for discussion with Legislators for the 2007 Legislative Session was initiated with the help of Mark Skubic, Park Nicollet Health Services.

The NW Healthy Communities Partnership supported a grant application to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation for a planning grant for a Mental Health Summit – Family Health Child Success – focused on the needs of the African community living in the northwestern suburbs.

A mental health sub-committee was formed to begin exploring the development of a different model of mental health service delivery. This group has had regular meetings outside the NW Healthy Communities Partnership meetings.

The mental health sub committee also explored the Citizen Healthcare Model and initial contact with Dr. W. Doherty, U of M took place.

Initial discussion for the development of a network of “family support and advocacy” took place and is ongoing.

This group is formed and meeting thanks to leadership from St. David’s Child Development and Family Services, Nancy Miller and Sue Esterbrooks.

The need for a Resource Directory, in a format that was user friendly for families and included expanded information about mental health services located in or available to children and families in the northwest suburbs, was identified and a grant written to fund this effort.

A generous grant from the Park Nicollet Foundation was received to fund the costs to update and print the Resource Guide. Target date for completion of the printing of the Second Edition is late fall, 2006.

During 2006-2007, the NW Health Communities Partnership convened around the delivery of basic services and needs to families. Information and program sharing took place with the food shelf directors in west and northwest Hennepin County to learn about how each organization works with families to deliver their services and what process they have in place to serve immigrant families who are new to the community. Agencies shared their services and how they meet the needs of families through welcoming processes and service delivery. Results:

A group of members offered to provide support to the food shelves in the northwest area during holiday distributions, offering community members cocoa, music and other to make families feel welcome and extend broader support.

The mental health subcommittee began its work with Dr. William J. Doherty, leaders from the African community and service providers to plan the Family Health Child Success Summit – Forging Community Action for Healthy African Families.

Summit planning committee meetings, facilitated by Chris Johnson and subsequently Bill Doherty, took place beginning in November 2006.

It was determined that the Summit would look at the challenges and set community action priorities for healthy families and successful children in all African communities.

Desired Outcomes for the Summit included:

- New ways are identified for African community members and professionals to work together to improve family health and child success.- Priority areas for future work are identified.- Community members and professionals leave inspired and willing to work together in new ways.

Citizen Health Care (CHC) framework was used as the process for planning the Summit. This provided each member of the planning committee with the opportunity to experience the CHC process prior to the Summit.

Citizen Health Care framework was the process that was used for the Summit.

Instead of speeches and panels, the Summit was an intensive community conversation followed by opportunities for action planning.

The Summit took place on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Over 90 community members and service providers participated in the Summit.

Three areas of need were identified: Health, School and Family Well Being.

Citizen Action Groups, focused on one of the topics identified at the Summit will meet to identify action that will benefit the success of African children and families over the next several months.

Results:Mental Health Summit took place, May 5, 2007: Family Health Child SuccessTwo Citizen Action Groups, African Family Well Being and African Families and Schools were formedDuring 2007-2008, the NWHCP group returned to its roots and convened around health and mental health issues including: early childhood and mental health issues, teen pregnancy, parent stress and its impact on children’s success in school, childhood obesity and its consequences and the demographic changes in the northwest suburbs. Family Health Child Success Citizen Action GroupsThe implementation phase of the Family Health Child Success Summit that took place in May of 2007 began in the summer of 2007 with the establishment of two Citizen Action Groups:The Family Well Being Citizen Action Group identified their mission as:To design and pilot a project that accesses the resources of the community to meet the challenge of the long-term impact of war and other trauma affecting African families and children.

The African Families and Schools Citizen Action Group identified their mission as:To develop and pilot a project that call on the resources of the community to address the disconnect between the school culture and the family/community culture.

Citizen Action Groups consist of Citizens and Citizen Professionals. Both groups have been meeting every two to three weeks for nearly a year now. Using the Citizen Health Care approach to community building and development, each Citizen Action Group is working to develop and pilot a project that will benefit the health of Sub-Saharan African children and families.

Results:

Relationships between Citizens and Citizen Professionals are being established and deepened.

The resources and expertise of the community are being utilized to create health.

New Citizen Leaders are emerging.

This important community work is being funded through grants from the Park Nicollet Foundation and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation.

During 2008-2009, the NW Healthy Communities Partnership continued its focus on health and mental health needs in the area.

The 2008-2009 work plan includes:

Mental Health needs remain an on going focus, 0-3 years with a suggestion of going older 3-10 yrs., although diagnosis is happening at an earlier age

Continued partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. as they develop a mobile dental van that will be available in the northwest area.

Continue updates on the development of Cornerstone Solutions program for children and youth.

Community Clinic Continuing work with Brooklyn Center School District and the Park Nicollet Foundation to develop a school-based Health Clinic in the district

The Family Health Child Success Initiative established out of discussion and work completed during the 2006-2007 Healthy Communities Partnership meetings continues to move forward. Two Citizen Action Groups continue their work in and with the community implementing Pilot Action projects. This work is funded through a grant from the Park Nicollet Foundation and a grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.

The African Family Well Being Citizen Action Group consists of 13 members. Including African Citizens and Citizen Professionals from health, mental health, the Northwest Hennepin Family Service Collaborative, and community representatives from Northwest Resources for Families. Criteria were established by the CAG for the Action Pilot. An inventory of internal and external resources was developed. Using a democratic, deliberative process, the CAG identified a Public Performance as the medium to engage dialogue in the community around “breaking the silence” that exists around the effects of war and trauma. The CAG spent a great deal of time discussing the need to break the silence in the community and the need to not retraumatize individual community members. This discussion included knowledge that perhaps both those who were perpetrators and those who had been perpetrated upon could end up being in the same room at the public performance. The group discussed creating, in the public performance, a safety net in the manner in which the issue was presented, the venue where the event would take place (maybe in a faith community setting) and having mental health professionals available as resources at the community event.

The African Families and Schools Citizen Action Group (AFSCAG) consists of 10 members. Members include: African Citizens and Citizen Professionals from schools and other areas. The CAG began by developing Criteria for their work and then identified the commonalities and divergences between the school culture (large, bureaucratic institution, with legal regulations and policies) and the African culture (history, norms and practices). The group recognized early on that it is easier to talk about challenging issues when relationships already exist between parents/the community and schools. This laid the groundwork for Action that would engage a school and parents in addressing the disconnect between the two cultures.The AFSCAG work sunset and a school-based, parent focused Citizen Action Group in partnership with the Osseo School District at Crest View Elementary School in Brooklyn Park.

Results

Through the Citizen Action Groups challenges were addressedAfrican Family Well Being Citizen Action Group1)Addressing a highly charged community issue in a manner that will providesafety so that “real pain” could be spoken about without added stress.2) Recruit enough African community members for training in Playback Theater. 3) Generate interest in hosting events among community organizations. 4) Adapt the Playback Theater approach to the African population and its specific challenges.

African Families and School1)Addressing a highly charged community issue in a manner that will provide safety so that “cultural disconnects” could be discussed.2) Gaining the trust and involvement of professionals at a local school. 3) Gaining the trust and involvement of parents at that school. 4) Create a useful ongoing role for the citizen action group once the action moves to the local school.

What we learnedThe democratic process used in the Citizen Health Care (CHC) Model:

Requires a lived experience. Experiencing is more powerful than words; you need to “do” in order to “learn,” can’t just read about CHC

Takes time; moves slowly

Contrasts dramatically in its approach compared with other traditional approaches

Takes some participants out of their comfort zone; but, through the process, they grow comfortable

Creates venues to communicate with broader African community over needs/issues

Knowledge is built around learning to navigate in and communicate with large systems

MilestonesOpportunities Were Created For Dialogue

Dialogue that takes place within the Citizen Action Groups creates a common basis of knowledge and understanding

Citizens and Citizen Professionals respect each other’s expertise, knowledge and skills; authentic , mutual appreciation and value of resources, expertise of each “Citizen”

The Citizen Action Groups are a venue for going “deeper” when discussing challenges

A greater breadth of knowledge is created

Citizens see Citizen Professionals as a resource that is equal to their knowledge, expertise and skills

Values, norms, unwritten rules, traditions, religion, assumptions, belief systems, socialization, definition of who is in and out, visible symbols, orientation to time, relationships with outsiders, identity and the protection of identity

Knowledge is built around how groups build cross cultural understanding and learn to work together

Youth, Parents and Elders are Engaged

Action is centered on the “whole” community, all ages

Knowledge of the community is recognized as an important resource

Community knowledge is valued and becomes an integral part of the work

A common understanding/articulation of what is meant by “culture” is developed around values, norms, unwritten rules, traditions, religion, belief systems, socialization

A strengths-based approach is promoted

Relationships and Bridges Were Built

Greater understanding of institutions, systems, issues and needs is gathered and made available to the work

Citizens and Citizens Professionals bond and build working relationships that can be sustained beyond the immediate work and benefit both institutions and the Community

Relationships form the foundation for bridging challenges, addressing pressing issues and needs

Diversity, professionally, culturally and personally, is recognized and valued as a vital assets

Better understanding between Citizens and Citizen Professionals results in greater ability to work on serious challenges

The value of engagement between Citizens and Citizen Professionals, between systems and the Community, is recognized as vital to Community engagement and development

Understanding commonalities and divergences among and between cultures, institutions and systems

Citizen Leaders Are Emerging

Citizen leadership is developed, more Citizen leaders evolve, Citizen leadership evolves grows out of the work

Citizens use the Citizen Health Care approach in their daily work

Emergence of citizen identity, integration of Citizen Health Care approach into other areas of work and life

Citizens have an authentic opportunity to contribute

Resources emerge from Citizens and Citizens Professionals

Resources that exist within the larger community are recognized and incorporated in the work

Sense of urgency, a chance to make a contribution

Democratizing power, building relationshipsThe Citizen Health Care model poses that abundant resources for change reside within the community. To surface, activate and coordinate these sources of power is the challenge. What puts the CHC model “upstream” is a shift in the power dynamic typically used to solve problems, where the responsibility for providing resources and solving the problem lies mostly with experts. The client’s role primarily is compliance. Team members named the alternative approach in several short-hand ways – “experts on tap not on top,” “empowerment,” “co-creation,” “community activation.” Everyone interviewed acknowledged the complexity and challenge in such a fundamental change.

Mental Health needs remain an on going focus, 0-3 years with a suggestion of going older, 3-10 yrs., although diagnosis is happening at an earlier ageThe NW Healthy Communities Partnership group focused on gaining a clearer definition and deeper understanding of the issues and challenges that surround early childhood mental health in the northwest area. A sub-committee consisting of Charlie Koch, Family and Children’s Service, Dustin Chapman, Fairview Behavioral Health Services, Julie Sjordal, St. David’s Center and Jonette Zuercher, NWHFSC meets regularly to provide leadership to the development of the focus on early childhood mental health.

Results:

A NWHCP Early Childhood Mental Health sub-committee was established

NWHCP is gaining a greater understanding of the issues and challenges that surround early childhood mental health issues in the northwest area

Continued partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. (RMHC), as they develop a mobile dental van that will be available in the northwest area.Ms. Meg Katzman, RMHC Upper Midwest Executive Director made an initial presentation about the proposed RMHC Dental Van. Through continued participation of the Ronald McDonald House Dental Van manager, Gretchen Ambrosier, the NWHCP continues to remain updated on the launch of this important resource in our community.

Results:

Relationships are being built with RMHC and the NW Healthy Communities Partnership members that will facilitate the launch of the dental van in the northwest area

Information on the development of Cornerstone Solutions program for children and youth.Mr. Arif Altaf, Metropolitan Health Plan brought information about this important Hennepin County initiative to the group. The first iteration of Cornerstone Solutions was focused on the adult population. During 2008-2009, a children’s model is being implemented. We look forward to continued updates and participation from MHP once new staff has been identified.

School based Clinic Brooklyn Center School District’s work with the Park Nicollet Foundation to develop a school-based Health Clinic in the Brooklyn Center School District.Dr. Chris Johnson, Park Nicollet Foundation with Mr. Keith Lester, Brooklyn Center School District Superintendent convened a planning group to discuss the feasibility of a School-based health clinic in the district. Work continues to move forward on this important and much needed resource for our community. Early discussion for the design of the BC Health Clinic is to include a complement of mental health and family support services. Final design is anticipated late summer, 2009.

Results:

Health services will be available to children whose families are uninsured or underinsured

There will be a reduction of health disparities in the area served by the Clinic

There will be easier access to medical services in the community

Co-located mental health and family support services will be available at one location

During 2009 -2010, the NW Healthy Communities Partnership identified and worked on the following work plan:

Mental Health needs remain an on going need with a focus on 0-6 years

The HCP determined that this focus was important due to all the renewed interest in early childhood mental health at the state and federal level and the fact that diagnosis is being made at a younger age.

Continued partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. development of a mobile dental van

Continue updates on the development of Cornerstone Solutions program for children and youth. No reports. Arif Altaf has left Metropolitan Health Plan.

School based Clinic

Results: Health Resource Center

Addressing health disparities for uninsured and underinsured children

Greater access is available to medical services for children living or going to school in the City of Brooklyn Center.

Co-located mental health and family support services are now available at one location in the Health Resource Center

Health Resource Center GRAND OPENING FEBRUARY 25, 2010. Sincere thanks and appreciation to the Park Nicollet Foundation and Park Nicollet Health Services !!! Thank you, Chris, for all the work you put into making the clinic a reality. Thanks to Keith Lester for the enthusiasm and commitment he brought to this project.

Early Childhood Mental HealthPresentations from staff at the MN Department of Human Services, Department of Health and early childhood and mental health providers, laid a base of common knowledge for continued exploration on action around this topic.

A teen parent program will open at the Brooklyn Center Area Learning Center. Included in the plan for the teen program will be a childcare center using the Baby Space model, which includes a strong emphasis on early childhood mental health. The teen program will serve pregnant and parenting teens and their babies. The program will have an education component, multiple services on site, including medical, prenatal, mental health, dental, employment, child development and related. The plans for this program are still on going. This effort in partnership with the Brooklyn Center School District, the NW Teen Parent Connection partner providers and the Northwest Hennepin Family Service Collaborative.Program scheduled to open September 2010.

Results:

Pregnant teens will have an access to support services that will foster their emotional growth, academic skills, including completing their education, and quality childcare to support the healthy growth and development of their babies.

Thanks to HCP agencies that expanded services to children and families in the northwest corridor:

Ronald McDonald House on the launched dental van.

Thank you to Children’s Dental Services who expanded its services in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park.The vitality of the NW Healthy Communities Partnership continues to be seen through the participation of providers at monthly meetings. Average number of participants at meetings is 10 to 17. An estimated average evaluation for meetings is 4.3.

At the April 2010, meeting members agreed to the importance of continuing to meet every month during FY2010-2011.

Members agreed to meet again this year during the summer months June and August. “So much is happening,” one partner stated.

The value of the PNF NW HCP can clearly be seen in this document, through the results that continue to be realized each year and the commitment of the provider community to supporting and attending meetings.

During 2010-2011, the NW Healthy Communities Partnership identified and worked on the following work plan:

Homelessness, adolescents and others/happening more so in the immigrant population/the whole issue of shelters in this area is so big

Results:

A group of provider agencies and organizations formed and is now meeting to identify what can be done to address homelessness in the northwest suburban area.

Early Childhood Mental Health Triage

Results:

The group once again identified early childhood mental health as a critical topic. Don Nicola from Hennepin County attended a meeting and presented information on Hennepin County programs in the area of early childhood mental health support and services.

Teen Pregnancy

Results:

Continuing with the discussion that began during 2009-2010 on the issue of teen pregnancy, the Brooklyn Center School District is developing a teen parent program at the Brooklyn Center Academy (Area Learning Center) that will have a childcare center on site. AND, in partnership with the NW Teen Parent connection partners, a range of services from prenatal care, dental care, home visiting, public health, county services, and other, as identified by the collaborating partners, provided ON SITE and coordinated among the partner providers to support the pregnant and parenting teens and their babies who attend the Brooklyn Center Academy.

Senior Services

Chris Johnson presented on the Park Nicollet Seniors Safe at Home projectMary Jo Schifsky presented on Store to Door service

FY 2010 -2011 was another successful year for the NWHCP. There is a real sense among the provider who attend these meetings every month about the value of this effort to themselves, professionally, through the networking that takes place, and the relationships that have developed and deepened over the years. Partners regularly comment on the value of the NWHCP to their organization and most importantly, to the children and families with whom each organization works.

FY 2011-2012 continued the productive work of the NW Healthy Communities Partnership. The highlight for the year was work in the area of teen pregnancy at a community gathering that took place on April 26, 2012. This event was in connection with the NW Teen Parent Connection, facilitated by the NW Hennepin Family Service Collaborative. The focus of the gathering was to engage the larger community in responding to the question: In the context of teen pregnancy prevention: Why is it important for a community to support and respond to the needs of pregnant and parenting teens? With a keynote made by Brenda Cassellius, Commission of the Department of Education and a panel that included Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, Erin Sullivan-Sutton, Julie Neitzel Carr, Healthy Youth Development Coordinator from the Minnesota Department of Health and Ms. Melissa Nambangi, Executive Director Minnesota African Women’s Association a vigorous dialogue took place. The evening ended with the community signing cards stating their interest in pregnant and parenting teens and their babies. The cards were compiled and interested community members contacted to elicit their specific interest.

The NW Teen Parent Connection, facilitated by the NW Hennepin Family Service Collaborative, augmented its strategic plan, inserting a full complement of evidence-based practices that will be delivered at the Brooklyn Center Area Learning Center Teen Parent Program.

Following the groups’ interest in community health initiatives, Kristin Godfrey, coordinator of the Hennepin County CCT grant and Cathy Brunkow with Hennepin County Public Health made a presentation on HCMC Community Care Team (CCT). The grant overview for the HCMC Community Care Team, which is for the Brooklyn Center Clinic (Adult care, Internal Medicine and Specialty Care), and the Brooklyn Park Clinic (Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology) was distributed to the group. There focus is on patients with Diabetes. The Community Care Team will focus on the five parameters of diabetic care: Smoking, LDL cholesterol, Aspirin use - daily low dose, Hypertension, and Hemoglobin.

Sharlene Shelton and Paula Haywood presented Hennepin County’s new Community Engagement initiative and explained the configuration of the NW HUB, which is scheduled to open fully in October of 2012.

Members also shared why they attend the NW Healthy Communities Partnership meetings.

Brooklyn Center has birthed two major projects: the Brooklyn Center Health Resource Center and the Teen Parent Program/Daycare as a result of attending the NW Healthy Communities Partnership meetings.

Barb finds these meetings very helpful, there are similar pockets around the state and she gets information to share beyond this area.

It’s a great venue to share and find out information.

It is helpful if there is a sense of need in your work? - needs of those you serve, when those needs lie outside your walls.

Helpful when there is some educational learning. It’s great when some action comes out of this group, but it doesn’t always have to be action.

Sometimes people come and then disappear, sometimes we need to take a look and see who isn’t coming anymore. People’s interest really drives attendance. When this group dropped the Mental Health, the attendance dropped –people were really interested in Mental Health.

2012-2013The NWHCP reconvened in November with its first meeting of the year. Members agreed that they wanted to reinstate Mental Health and Substance Abuse as the focus for this year. The following work plan for topics to be covered this year was established:Continue to network resources, the whole group contributes monthly to thisMN Psychiatric Consultation Service, Prairie CareFairview – new Mental Health/Substance Abuse mandates in ACA, Dustin Chapman, Fairview Behavioral Health(Park Nicollet Health Services) PNHS - Community Health Needs Assessment –Libby Lincoln, Park Nicollet FoundationEffects of Trauma on early childhood development, attachment and other, University of Minnesota, WilderBrooklyn Center & Osseo ALC Day Treatment Program potential, yet to be determined

Topics and presenters:Dr. Joel Oberstar, CEO and Chief Medical Officer at PrarieCare and Mr. Todd Archbold, Chief Development Officer made a presentation of the “Minnesota Collaborative Psychiatric Consultation Service.” PrarieCare responded to a RFP that the state had, the result was a collaboration with MhINT partners (PrarieCare, Essentia Health, Mayo Clinic and Sanford Health) and the state of Minnesota. Todd spoke a little about the “Triage-Level Assessment”. There is a toll free number to call from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; PrarieCare answers the calls two days a week. PrarieCare took the first Mandatory Consultation call from Pipestone, MN. The calls come from all over the state and sometimes from other nearby states.

Dustin Chapman, Fairview Behavior Health made a presentation on the new health care law and the impact the law will have on adolescent mental health/substance abuse.

Libby Lincoln, Park Nicolet Foundation presented an overview of the Park Nicollet Community Health Needs Assessment. Marie Maslowski, Community Health Outreach worker with Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center spoke about how Fairview has and the Maple Grove Hospital will be conducting their Community Health Needs Assessments.

Devon Meade, Greater Twin Cities United Way presented the United Way report on The Faces of Poverty. Alana Wright will give a brief overview of the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

At the final meeting of the year, the NW Healthy Communities Partnership members tentatively established the following work plan for 2013-2014Members wish to continue the focus on mental health and substance abuse that this group has had since its beginning. For 2013-2014, continuing with the focus on mental health and substance abuse members also talked about areas that directly impact mental health for children and families.

FY 2013-14During 2013-14 in depth work began around Adverse Child Experiences (ACE). The result was a decision by the NW Healthy Community Partners to work on ACE, Trauma Informed Care and bring program and training to professionals, parents and the community.

Guest Speaker Mark A. Sander, Psy. D.L.P., Senior Clinical Psychologist and School Mental Health Coordinator, Hennepin County and Minneapolis SchoolsFor the past ten years, Mark has held a joint position between Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Schools. Mark did a one-hour overview and took questions.

There are three parts:

Neuroscience is about 30-40 %

ACE is about 20%

How do we support, strengthen individuals and the community?

The original ACE Study was done is 1997 with 17,000 individual participants who were middle to upper middle class, mainly Caucasian, with some diversity participated. All had health insurance. 9% did not have a High School Diploma. The same questions were asked to all participants.

The questions included:Household DysfunctionNeglectAbuse

It is noted that, where one ACE occurs 87% of the time there is another ACE. Eighteen other states including Minnesota have done their own ACE Study and found the same results. They found the higher the ACE score the higher percentage of health problems. All of the ACE study is on adults. The Minnesota 2011 ACE Study is available on the CDC website. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/brfss/ACE_ExecutiveSummary.pdf

Presentation by Renee Rosenow on Park Nicollet Melrose CenterShe had some handouts and started with a little exercise. Inpatient services are provided only at the St. Louis Park location. There is an old myth that eating disorders are a rich white girl disorder – this is not true they see it across all lines.

Presentation by Laura Hurrins on North Metro PediatricsLaura is an RN. She is the Patient Care Coordinator at North Metro Pediatrics located in Coon Rapids. She passed out a handout to the group. Regardless of a family’s ability to pay no child is refused care. They offer a sliding fee scale. The majority of the population they serve is uninsured and under-insured.

Presentation by Neisha Reynolds and Pam Russ from Hennepin County on data from the recently released A-GRADreport. Pam has been a Social Worker at Hennepin County for the past 25 years. Neisha is a planner with A-GRAD and worked her first seven years at Hennepin County in Public Health. A-GRAD stands for Accelerating Graduation by Reducing Achievement Disparities. This was a study on county involved youth, and focused on three youth groups:

Probation – youth 21 years old and under on juvenile supervised probation

Foster Care – youth 21 years old and under in foster care six months or longer

MFIP Teen Parents – youth 21 years old and under either pregnant or parenting

Attendance in school is a big projector of dropouts. In these youth groups, it tends to drop starting in grade 6. Attendance, attachment, and achievement all begin to decline in middle school. Hennepin County has twenty-two independent school districts. Presentation by Sue Abderholden Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Fiscal Year 2014-2015During FY 2014-2015, the NW Healthy Communities Partnership continued to explore avenues of learning focused on mental health.

Presentation PraireCareErica Norberg from PrairieCare gave a brief overview of the Family School Coordinator Program. This is primarily prevention – where they are just starting to see a child who is beginning to show signs of stress. The program identifies kids early. The Project Coordinator said the Family School Program has been around for about ten years.

Guest Speaker Dorothy Bliss from the Minnesota Department of Health, presentation on the Health Equity Report.There have been some questions about health equity; the Department of Health has been talking about Health Disparities for a long time. Dorothy works in the office of Performance Improvement, and was asked to participate as the primary author/writer for the Health Equity Report. This work is continually evolving. She presented the factors that affect health.

Health Disparities is population-based differences (e.g. men vs women, young vs. old) and looks at data for communities of color and underrepresented populations.Health Equity looks at “Creating the Opportunity for Health” in the larger, more general scope of race and ethnicity. Health Equity is looking at what creates healthy life. What sort of stressors are families experiencing? What can we do at a policy level to change context of a population of people, so they have the opportunity to be healthy? Mental Health is one of those areas that is named and then dropped because it is so hard to address.

Fiscal Year 2015-2016During FY 2015-2016, the NW Healthy Communities Partnership engaged with experts to learn more about emerging mental health initiatives. The NWHCP group continued to explore community engagement with mental health as a basis.

Anna Lynn, Mental Health Promotion Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Health joined the meeting by phone. Anna said her object is to share what her role is and to share resources. Her position is new since April, she is the Mental Health Coordinator for the state. Seventy-seven percent of local public health prioritizes mental health as well being. Most of the work included serves the deep end of the spectrum, her role is to focus on the prevention end of the spectrum.

Mental Health has to be a priority even in the absence of illness. MDH is building a narrative around this. Now, when we say mental health clients, and people in general know we mean mental illness. The goal of this new area at MDH is to support mental health and individuals flourishing.Building community capacity, the collaboratives are one of the core parts of this.Focus is on Prevention, Promotion, Treatment and Community.There are three core protective systems:

Relationships

Individual skills

Community, culture & faith

In April, the group conducted a learning discussion around Mental Health. A diverse group of professionals was invited to a guided discussion.

Recorded below is a sampling of the results.The secondary nurses in Osseo Area Schools reported the following issues:

Suicidal Ideation

Anxiety

Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Cutting

PTSD

Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD)

Grief/Loss

Sleep issues

Attachment Disorders

Chemical Abuse/use

Eating Disorders

Bullying

Schizophrenia

Peer pressures

Attention seeking behaviors

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

ADHD

and probably other mental health issues

They also reported these barriers:

Mental health stigma keeps parents from reporting diagnoses to us and from getting the proper help,

Denial

Parents not taking cues seriously

Shortage of mental health providers

Language barriers

Lack of staff who are culturally diverse

Staff not sharing information with the health office- if a case manager, psychologist or social worker knows something – it isn’t always communicated with the health office

Shortage of appropriate staff in schools or time to talk with students to develop trust and rapport

Lack of understanding of cultural issues and stressors related to immigration to the US

Not having a list of free or reduced fee resources that we can provide to parents

Lack of training for what to look for and what to do

The following is the discussion that took place. Comments are general and not attributed to any particular organization or person.

Fiscal Year 2016-17

During FY 2016-2017, the NWHCP began work with the Minnesota Communities Caring for Children (MCCC), formerly Prevent Child Abuse MN.

Through funding provided to the MN Department of Human Services, several Family Service Collaboratives initially were identified to receive training and support services for programing around ACE and Neuroscience. The NW Hennepin Family Service Collaborative (NWHFSC) was one of only a few Hennepin County Collaboratives to receive initial program support.

Results:NWHCP began to develop the parent engagement and training along with the development of a pilot Parent Circle. All of this work is being done in conjunction with the MCCC. Two parent engagement events are being scheduled for October of 2017.

The NW Teen Parent Connection, facilitated by the NWHFSC, planned the professional training in partnership with MCCC. The ACE training for professionals date is September 22, 2017.